I want a marbel bichir I have some question.

[Snowflake311]

I have a 100gal tank with large south American cichlids the smallest fish in the tank is 3-4". Would a bichir eat a fish that size? They don't need to be kept in groups right?? Are they active during the day? What do you feel them are they picky?

I saw one of these fish at a store and just fell in love. They are so differant from any fish I have ever had and almost have a puppy dog face.

If you have some pointers or info on these fish do tell. I know the basics.

 

[RWaltman]

I have a 100gal tank with large south American cichlids the smallest fish in the tank is 3-4". Would a bichir eat a fish that size? They don't need to be kept in groups right?? Are they active during the day? What do you feel them are they picky?

I saw one of these fish at a store and just fell in love. They are so differant from any fish I have ever had and almost have a puppy dog face.

If you have some pointers or info on these fish do tell. I know the basics.

I highly doubt your bichir will eat those size Cichlids...usually Cichlids are too smart/fast for a bichir to get at...they aren't the most "aggressive" predator, and seem almost cumbersome...They are nocturnal and do most of there snacking at night...my bichir loved ghost shrimp, shrimps, carnivore pellets, basically anything...oh and oto catfish...FREQUENTLY. They'll eat small fish by "sucking" it up...but cichlids should be fine. They don't need to be kept in groups...singles are fine...they are somewhat active during the day...but mainly they'll lay around...Bichirs are awesome. I've had a few and unfortunately my last one jumped from my tank and died while I was away...they do jump so make sure there are NO spots for them to squirm through....great fish though...very interesting.

 

[Snowflake311]

Thanks what about smaller plecos? My bn female is only 3" and I really like that fish I would hate to see her be a snack.

 

[Rockbass6]

Thanks what about smaller plecos? My bn female is only 3" and I really like that fish I would hate to see her be a snack.

The pleco would be left alone by the bichir, and you would only need to worry about the pleco sucking on the bichir's slime coat. If you have plenty of hiding spaces and feed the pleco on a regular basis you'll probably be ok.

Also no need to be kept in groups, and not a picky eater sinking pellets are fine, get a good lid, they can get through the smallest holes, be careful. I have lost some before and I couldn't believe it, I have packaging tape over all possible holes except for where my Aquaclear dumps the water in now. (so far so good.) As far as active for the most part upper jaw species are more active. (check stickys for difference between upper and lower jaw sp.)
A very fun fish to keep, if your looking for more active species delhezi and senegal are very active. What your fish store is calling a 'marbel' could be a senegal or palmas polli would be my guess. Check the sticky species Id and see if you can match it up.
Any other questions, here to help! I have had these fish for quite a while.